Tour of Hometown BioEnergy in Le Sueur

From left to right: Le Sueur Electric Director Foster Transburg, RNDC Commissioners Paul Harris and Jim Branstad of St. James, New Ulm Public Utilities’ Energy Representative Derek Nelson, Steve Grove from Avant Energy who led the tour, RNDC Deputy Director Jessica Beyer, Stephanie Hilpipre, GreenCorps Member Lisa Callahan, Le Sueur City Administrator Joe Roby, and RNDC Commissioner Scott Schlueter of Le Sueur.

On January 28, community leaders joined RNDC Deputy Director Jessica Beyer and GreenCorps Member Lisa Callahan for a tour of Hometown BioEnergy in Le Sueur, to learn about anaerobic digestion and its role in renewable energy. The eight-megawatt (MW) facility, which completed its first full year of operation in 2014, is part of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s (MMPA) renewable energy initiative. Hometown BioEnergy uses anaerobic digestion technology to convert agricultural and food processing waste into biogas, which is then refined into renewable natural gas and supplied to the natural gas pipeline.

The tour covered each stage of the process, from the initial intake of solid and liquid waste to the final production of renewable natural gas and organic fertilizer. Attendees observed the feed modules where waste is pre-mixed, followed by a visit to the large anaerobic digestion silos where biogas forms at the top while solid waste settles below. Nearby, the facility’s membrane filtration system was showcased, demonstrating how biogas is upgraded to meet renewable natural gas standards.

The tour concluded at the facility’s expansive lagoons, where digestate—an organic byproduct used as fertilizer by local farmers—is produced. Attendees learned that even the lagoons generate biogas, particularly during warmer months, which is then captured and reintegrated into the filtration system. Just a few miles away, the resulting renewable natural gas is injected into the pipeline, further contributing to sustainable energy efforts.

The visit provided valuable insights into how innovative waste-to-energy solutions can benefit the regional economy.

Federal EDA Updates Investment Priorities and Grant Rates for 2025

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has updated its funding priorities and grant rates for 2025 as part of the reauthorization bill, with significant changes aimed at expanding access to funding for eligible communities. One of the most notable updates is an increase in the base grant rate from 50% to 60%, allowing more communities to leverage federal dollars for economic development projects.

Through its competitive grant process, EDA evaluates all project applications based on alignment with its investment priorities, job creation and retention potential, and the applicant’s ability to secure additional funding and implement projects efficiently. The goal is to ensure that investments contribute to economic growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability in communities across the country.

EDA’s investment priorities serve as a guiding framework for project selection, ensuring that grants support local efforts to strengthen economic assets and promote regional prosperity. Competitive applications must address at least one of these investment priorities and align with the specific criteria outlined in each funding opportunity.

The revised investment priorities for 2025 focus on five key areas:

• Critical Infrastructure: Supporting projects that enhance public facilities, including essential public works, transportation networks, and broadband access to drive economic growth.

• Workforce Development: Funding initiatives that promote job skills training, workforce participation, and employment opportunities in well-paying sectors.

•  Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging business development, lending, and the commercialization of new technologies that foster high-value job creation.

• Economic Recovery and Resilience: Strengthening local economies against disruptions from industry shifts, economic downturns, and natural disasters.

• Manufacturing: Supporting projects that drive job growth, business expansion, technology adoption, and increased competitiveness in the domestic manufacturing sector. 

Organizations interested in applying for EDA funding should carefully review the specific criteria for each funding announcement to ensure alignment with these investment priorities. For more details on eligibility and application deadlines, visit the EDA website or contact RNDC for assistance in navigating the grant process.

Meet RNDC’s New Road Safety Transportation Planner, Mark Plotz

Mark Plotz joined RNDC in January 2025 as the Road Safety Transportation Planner, leading the development of a regional comprehensive road safety action plan for the region. With a background in transportation planning and a passion for active mobility, he brings a unique perspective on how road design impacts both safety and economic development.

A native of North Mankato, Mark spent his childhood walking and biking to school, a habit that shaped his lifelong interest in transportation. After earning a Master’s in Public Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a transportation planner with Project for Public Spaces (PPS). His work took him across the United States and abroad, providing firsthand insight into urban mobility in places like Amsterdam, Rome, and Vancouver—his top choice for a city that thrives without car dependency.

Mark said, “I suppose you could say that my occupation chose me. My first bike commute was to Hoover School in the third grade. I have tried to live a healthy life ever since, and for me that has meant walking, biking, and taking transit whenever possible. People who do that – especially those with mobility impairments – think about transportation planning all the time, so it was a revelation when I found out that I could make a career out of my interest!”

After years in the nation’s capital, Mark returned to Minnesota and settled in St. Peter, choosing a walkable neighborhood where he and his family can easily bike around town. His passion for cycling extends beyond his personal life as he owns and operates The Smallest Cog bike shop in St. Peter, deepening his understanding of how street design influences local businesses. As a shop owner, he knows the value of safe and accessible streets in attracting foot traffic and supporting economic growth.

At RNDC, Mark looks forward to integrating road safety into broader regional initiatives, recognizing its role in economic development, public health, and community vitality. He believes that transportation planning is about more than moving vehicles efficiently—it’s about creating places where people feel safe and connected. His expertise will help shape infrastructure improvements that benefit both residents and businesses throughout the region.

Apply Now: $103 Million Available for Environmental Projects

Communities and organizations across Minnesota have a new opportunity to secure funding for environmental projects! The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is now accepting proposals for the 2026 funding cycle, with $103 million available through the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Applications are due by March 19, 2025.

This year’s Request for Proposal (RFP) includes updated funding priorities focused on Resiliency, Water, Education and Outdoor Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, Energy, Land, and Small Projects. These categories support initiatives that protect and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources. Over the coming weeks, LCCMR will highlight different priority areas, beginning with Resiliency.

Resiliency-focused proposals should aim to help Minnesota’s environment, natural resources, and communities adapt to challenges such as climate change, land use shifts, and extreme weather.

Eligible projects could include:

• Researching and demonstrating solutions to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Expanding education and outreach on climate adaptation practices.
• Supporting local climate resilience and adaptation planning.
• Restoring and protecting wetlands, forests, and prairies for biodiversity and community benefits.

LCCMR encourages new and innovative ideas that align with these priorities. To explore past funded projects and gain insight into successful proposals, visit the LCCMR project database.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring impactful environmental projects to life. Learn more and apply by visiting the 2026 Funding Process page on the LCCMR website.

Nominate a Local Conservation Leader for the Blazing Star Award

Communities across Minnesota are leading the way in conservation, tackling challenges like restoring prairies, expanding clean energy access, and protecting natural resources for future generations. To recognize these efforts, Conservation Minnesota created the Blazing Star Award, an annual honor for local governments making a meaningful impact on the environment.

The award celebrates projects that advance conservation, climate resilience, environmental protection, and outdoor recreation. Cities, counties, and Tribal Nations with projects started or completed since 2023 are eligible to apply. Winners receive public recognition and a Blazing Star Award plaque. Examples of past projects include pollinator-friendly gardens, solar panel initiatives, and outdoor recreation programs.